Part Three — The Promise
Quote from Walden by H. D. Thoreau (a part of which is given below):
'...it is such a relief to both the moral and physical system; and I am resolved that I will not through humility become the devil's attorney. I will endeavor to speak a good word for the truth.'
Chapter XIV — Consider The Covenants
This chapter starts by first explaining what the Scriptures are—with an emphasis on their Jewish roots. Next, the concept of biblical promises—covenants—initiates a discussion of Genesis creation and personal creation. In the process one learns that we have an origin outside the physical Universe. The womb is essentially a staging place where one is first plugged into physical reality. The promised Messiah also comes in a similar fashion. His birth, by a woman who is a virgin, is described by Scripture and a study of the Hebrew word 'almah.' Global change is alluded to here in regard to conflicts centering on population growth. The author avoids discussion of abortion, etc., to simply introduce the Creator's 'family planning.' Stewardship is also mentioned along with this family planning, because both require humans to be fruitful and multiply.
Part Three is designed to speak to both a Jewish and Gentile reader. The book introduces the Jewish reader to their Messiah—Yeshua. The Gentile believer learns of the Jewish roots to Christianity and soon discovers a remarkable number of references to Yeshua in the Hebrew Bible (Tanach). The underlying process, chapter to chapter, builds a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Click on Chapter links to read or download the corresponding book chapter ... for example Chapter XIV above or Chapter XV below... each is an active link
The narrative previously explored global or universal change over time. Now, the window opens to entertain historical developments initiating a biblical timeline. Daniel's writings and a description of his prophecy—part of which is already historically fulfilled—orient the reader to a story line continuing to the end of the book. Using Daniel's 'riddle' of 70 weeks of years, this presentation carefully demonstrates the first coming of the Jewish Messiah. In the process of working through the riddle one encounters the name of Jesus. However, initially, where possible the Messiah's Hebrew name—Yeshua—is used. Free use of Jesus is reserved for Part Four.
This discussion cites prophecy that is demonstrably fulfilled. The concept of foreshadowing futuristic figures, or types in Scripture, arise with the example offered in Antiochus Epiphanes—here identified as the Lawless One. His character raises the issue of a future—third—Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and an expectation for the future Antichrist. Daniel's writings also provide a future event which stands as a present unfulfilled future prophecy. The reader now has a timeline with a past and anticipation for events yet to come!
Finally, Daniel's riddle is unfinished, one seven year period remains—which is detailed in the book's conclusion. Furthermore, the present characterization of both Messiah and Antichrist set the stage for Part Four's futuristic discussion (based on stewardship and global change) where these two are referred to as the Good Steward and the Exploiter (names mentioned in Chapter I).
The key timeline elements—presented here and later in the book—focus on past and future events that take place at the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Looking back is not so difficult to do, the former Temple is a historical fact. The future Temple is now a secular dream to which some now work to make a reality. In fact the figure above comes from members of that group (i.e., the Temple Institute in Jerusalem). That present day political forces seem to prevent construction of a third Temple leaves one part of the timeline that we can anticipate... and when it becomes a reality there is a proof—especially for those living at that time—that the story told here and the Scriptures themselves are something beyond a simple myth.
Chapter XVI — Jesse's Root
The narrator notes, as a Gentile, he was previously unaware of Yeshua's identity in the Old Covenant. Many Jews today are unaware that Jesus is their Messiah. So, this chapter establishes a solid scriptural bridge between the Old and New Covenants. A number of types and shadows are described to link the old and new, including: a) The Sacrifice of Isaac, b) Passover [with a special emphasis on the seder's symbolism of Messiah], c) The Lampstand, d) The Serpent, e) The Smitten Rock, f) The Red Heifer, and g) Yom Kippur and Two Goats.
The last example offers an excerpt from a Yom Kippur message given by a Messianic Jew—an individual who represents Chosen People Ministries. Concepts related to sin, need of a mediator, and atonement are detailed here. The chapter concludes with several examples of Scriptures that specifically identify Yeshua, including Isaiah 53, Zechariah 12, and Isaiah 11. The information given here strengthens the link between the past and the future, between Jew and Gentile, and further introduces the reader to foundational concepts which support identities and future events described later.
This use of types and shadows prepares the reader to apply the same concept to a new set of environmental types, as identified in Chapter XXII.
Chapter XVII — The Scrolls
History has left us with a 400 year scriptural gap. But the recovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and recent developments releasing photographic copies to the public offers interesting possibilities. This chapter presents: a) conditions that previously restrained scroll publications, b) statements of caution concerning confusion generated by misleading information published in a recent popular book (Baigent and Leigh's Dead Sea Scroll Deception), c) description of a controversial Dead Sea Scroll text (the 'War Rule' or 'Pierced Messiah' scroll) which was recently part of a traveling exhibit, and d) quotations from a radio-talk-show discussion on Messianic texts found at Qumran. The latter point concerns Sid Roth's radio show where he interviews two scholars who describe scroll findings linking the Old with the New. If nothing else, the present situation offers the possibility that Jews and Gentiles will soon learn more interesting scroll facts to change current thinking and furthermore draw two views into one.
Hebrew Prayer — concerning the Book of Life (from The Gates of Prayer)
next to PART IV
